The California Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce the continued expansion of Science Action Club, a nationwide STEM program for middle school youth in out-of-school time. The Texas Girls Collaborative Project (www.txgcp.org) is excited to continue this project in Texas in collaboration with The University of Texas at Austin Environmental Science Institute and The University of Texas at Austin Women in Engineering Program!

Science Action Club features three science and nature units (Bugs, Birds and Clouds) that spark curiosity and wonder, build scientific skills, and help youth develop STEM identities

Each unit includes:

One guidebook with detailed plans for 12 nature investigations and citizen science experiences.

One teaching kit with high quality science tools and supplies for 20 youth.

One interactive online training.

One half-day face-to-face workshop.

Digital access to the SAC Educator Portal.

Ongoing support from a SAC trainer.

Program costs are highly subsidized, thanks to SAC’s generous donors. Payment options and scholarships are available based on need. Teaching kits valued at $500 contain high-quality science equipment and classroom supplies for 20 youth along with digital resources that provide opportunities to extend learning.

Limited funding for travel is available to educators outside of the greater Austin area. Space is limited and admissions will be on a rolling basis for those who meet the criteria.. Applications close Friday,February 23 by 2 p.m. or when a training is full. If you have questions, contact Didey Montoya at didey@austin.utexas.edu or Tricia Berry at triciaberry@utexas.edu.

Join the Texas Girls Collaborative Project for our second annual Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit designed to share best practices, connect organizations and individuals, and showcase outstanding efforts to increase the number of girls in STEM and support the retention of women in STEM careers. STEM professionals and all who are engaged in education, outreach, recruitment, and/or retention of women and girls in STEM are invited to join in.

Join the Texas Girls Collaborative for our first Texas Women & Girls in STEM Summit designed to share best practices, connect organizations and individuals, and showcase outstanding efforts to increase the number of girls in STEM and support the retention of women in STEM careers. STEM professionals and all who are engaged in education, outreach, recruitment, and/or retention of women & girls in STEM are invited to join in.

Join us for an engaging, hands-on STEM Symposium focused on bringing computational thinking, coding and STEM to life in elementary and middle school classrooms and programs. Discover ways that you can empower students to develop analytical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem solving skills, while preparing them for the STEM and technology-focused jobs of tomorrow.

The California Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce the continued expansion of Science Action Club, a nationwide STEM program for middle school youth in out-of-school time. The Texas Girls Collaborative Project is excited to continue this project in Texas in collaboration with The University of Texas at Austin Environmental Science Institute and The University of Texas at Austin Women in Engineering Program!

The California Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce the continued expansion of Science Action Club, a nationwide STEM program for middle school youth in out-of-school time. The Texas Girls Collaborative Project is excited to continue this project in Texas in collaboration with The University of Texas at Austin Environmental Science Institute and The University of Texas at Austin Women in Engineering Program!

To change the demographics of IT professionals, technologists, engineers, and scientists - to increase the diversity of those pursing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields - the conversation must change and STEM must come to life. Discover best practices of amazing and effective STEM role models and how to create an opportunity for girls to explore what their futures can hold. Explore effective imagery and messaging that engages K-12 students in formal and informal STEM education and excites them about the possibilities of STEM careers. Learn the latest research about engaging girls in STEM and explore the research-based best practices in messaging and hands-on activities that connect a diverse population in the excitement of STEM.

This workshop is based on role model research, resources and best practices provided by Techbridge, founded by the Chabot Space & Science Center in the California Bay Area. The workshop also includes research findings from the Changing the Conversation: Messages for Improving Public Understanding of Engineering report from the National Academy of Engineering and recommendations on how to engage girls in STEM pursuits and encourage girls to consider STEM careers from the American Association of University Women (AAUW)’s Why So Few: Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math report.

Network with STEM-engaged organizations from across the area and learn about the resources available to assist you in your efforts. Connect with programs across the area and hear about upcoming STEM events. Learn about the new Texas STEM Connections resource for matching volunteers with volunteer needs across San Antonio and beyond. And share what you and/or your organization are doing to excited kids about STEM.

The Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem, Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) and Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) invite organizations and individuals engaged in STEM outreach, education, workforce development, volunteering and advocacy to connect, network and share! THANKS to Thinkery for hosting this event!

Network with STEM-engaged organizations from across the areaand learn about the resources available to assist you in your efforts. Learn about the Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem, launched at the White House in November 2015 as one of 27 Ecosystems in the country, and the only one in Texas. Learn about statewide STEM out of school time system building led by TXPOST. And explore resources of the Texas Girls Collaborative Project including role model workshops, a new Texas skills-based STEM volunteer matching system, hands-on STEM curriculum and more. Connect with programs across the area and hear about upcoming STEM events. And share what you and/or your organization are doing to excited kids about STEM.

Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Join us for all or a portion of the event!

Schedule:

12 PM Research Experience for Teachers poster session and light lunch

K-12 teachers in the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Teachers in Nanotechnology program will share exciting research projects that they worked on during their internships in Rice University laboratories. At this informal science symposium, attendees will be able to ask teachers questions about their research and how they were able to bring their lab experience to the classroom. Information about how to apply to the program will be available.

1 PM Texas Girls Collaborative Project SciGirls Workshop

Joanne Baptista, Educator and Adult Programs Coordinator for the Houston Zoo, will be guiding hands-on activities from SciGirls, a PBS Kids television series that sets out to change how tweens think about STEM. This is part of the Texas Girls Collaborative Project, which has numerous resources http://www.txgcp.org/

In each SciGirls episode, animated characters Izzie and her best friend Jake find themselves in jams only science can fix. To set things right, Izzie calls on bright, curious real-life SciGirls, who put STEM to work and save the day. Izzie also invites viewers to hang out on the website, a totally safe, social networking environment where girls can connect, create personal profiles and avatars, share projects and watch every episode. SciGirlspremiered nationwide on Public Television stations and online at pbskidsog.org/scigirls beginning in February 2012.

Participants attending the SciGirls workshop will:

·Learn latest research for exciting and engaging girls (and boys) in STEM

·Experience at least one of the hands-on SciGirls STEM activities such as using dough to teach circuits, designing their own wind measurement machine and creating your own experiment to identify mystery plastics

·Leave with curriculum for over 25 hands-on, video enhanced activities that put a creative twist on teaching STEM

·Learn how to modify any activity to excite and engage kids in STEM using the SciGirls Seven

·Discover additional online resources that enhance teaching and learning experiences for all kids

2:30 PM Greater Houston Networking Forum

Network with STEM-engaged organizations from across the area and learn about the resources available to assist you in your efforts. Explore resources of the Texas Girls Collaborative Project including role model workshops, a new Texas skills-based STEM volunteer matching system (Texas STEM Connections), hands-on STEM curriculum and more. Connect with programs across the area and hear about upcoming STEM events. And share what you and/or your organization are doing to excited kids about STEM.

Look for TxGCP in your agenda for the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching this year! We will be presenting on STEM role models, What TxGCP can do for you, TEKS-aligned hands-on activities, and more! Come out to one of our sessions!

The National Girls Collaborative Project is excited to announce participation in a new project called Science Action Club. The Texas Girls Collaborative Project (www.txgcp.org) is excited to bring this project to Texas in collaboration with The University of Texas at Austin Environmental Science Institute, the Austin Science & Nature Center, the Cameron Park Zoo (Waco), and The University of Texas at Austin Women in Engineering Program!

Selected programs will receive in-depth training on Science Action Club activities, kits, and teaching techniques for the informal learning environment. Each curriculum guidebook includes step-by-step plans for 12 fun activities designed for one-hour club meetings. Teaching kits valued at $500 contain high-quality science equipment and classroom supplies for 20 youth along with digital resources that provide opportunities to extend learning.

Apply to receive training and materials for this 2-module curriculum in 2016-2017. Bugs in Your Schoolyard in the fall and Birds in Your Schoolyard in the spring. Each module has 12 activities that connect students to real-world research projects conducted by professional scientists.

The Bugs in Your Schoolyard Activity Leader Training will be held on October 22, 2016 at The University of Texas at Austin. Birds in Your Schoolyard training will be held in the spring

Limited funding for travel is available to educators outside of the greater Austin area. Contact Tricia Berry at triciaberry@utexas.edu with your request after completion of the application.

The Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem, Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) and Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) invite organizations and individuals engaged in STEM outreach, education, workforce development, volunteering and advocacy to connect, network and share! THANKS to Thinkery for hosting this event!

Network with STEM-engaged organizations from across the area and learn about the resources available to assist you in your efforts. Learn about the Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem, launched at the White House in November 2015 as one of 27 Ecosystems in the country, and the only one in Texas. Learn about statewide STEM out of school time system building led by TXPOST. And explore resources of the Texas Girls Collaborative Project including role model workshops, a new Texas skills-based STEM volunteer matching system, hands-on STEM curriculum and more. Connect with programs across the area and hear about upcoming STEM events. And share what you and/or your organization are doing to excited kids about STEM.

SciGirls is a PBS Kids television series out to change how tweens think about science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM! In each episode, join bright, curious realgirls in putting STEM to work. Then check out the website to play games, watch episodes, share projects, and connect with other SciGirls in a totally safe social networking environment!

There is no fee to attend this training. Lunch will be provided by the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), a research and education partnership between Baylor University and the City of Waco focused on aquatic resources.

The Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem, Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) and Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) invite organizations and individuals engaged in STEM outreach, education, workforce development, volunteering and advocacy to connect, network and share!

Network with STEM-engaged organizations from across the area and learn about the resources available to assist you in your efforts. Learn about the Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem, launched at the White House in November 2015 as one of 27 Ecosystems in the country, and the only one in Texas. Learn about statewide STEM out of school time system building led by TXPOST. And explore resources of the Texas Girls Collaborative Project including role model workshops, a new Texas skills-based STEM volunteer matching system, hands-on STEM curriculum and more. Connect with programs across the area and hear about upcoming STEM events. And share what you and/or your organization are doing to excited kids about STEM.

Light refreshments provided.

About the Hosts:

The STEM Funders Network (SFN) announced in November 2015 that the Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem is one of the 27 communities selected to pilot the national STEM Ecosystems Initiative. This project, built on over a decade of research into successful STEM collaborations seeks to nurture and scale effective science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning opportunities for all young people. The Greater Austin STEM Ecosystems selection is a demonstration of their existing progress in developing a strong STEM community and recognition of the commitment to continue this work.

The Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) is a statewide network of nonprofit, public and private sector partners dedicated to increasing the quality and availability of out of school time (OST) opportunities for Texas youth.

Texas Girls Collaborative Project and TXPOST, Texas Partnership for Out of School Time, are excited to host the upcoming McAllen/Brownsville Area K-12 STEM Outreach Forum.

Calling all organizations, schools and individuals involved in science, technology, engineering and math outreach and recruitment in the McAllen/Brownsville area! Network and learn about the resources available to assist you in your efforts. Connect with programs across the area and hear about upcoming STEM events. And share what you and/or your organization are doing to excite kids about STEM. Forum will explore effective imagery and messaging that engages K-12 students in formal and informal STEM education and excites them about the possibilities of STEM careers. Learn the latest research about engaging girls in STEM and explore the research-based best practices in messaging and hands-on activities that connect a diverse population in the excitement of STEM.

The Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) is a statewide network of nonprofit, public and private sector partners dedicated to increasing the quality and availability of out of school time (OST) opportunities for Texas youth.

SciGirls, a PBS KIDS weekly series and website, is out to change how millions of tween girls think about science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM! In each episode, animated characters Izzie and her best friend Jake find themselves in jams only science can fix. To set things right, Izzie calls on bright, curious real-lifeSciGirls, who put STEM to work and save the day. Izzie also invites viewers to hang out on the website, a totally safe, social networking environment where girls can connect, create personal profiles and avatars, share projects and watch every episode. SciGirlspremiered nationwide on Public Television stations and online atpbskidsog.org/scigirls beginning in February 2012.

Educators across Texas are invited to participate in SciGirlsprofessional development opportunities and discover how to engage young women (ages 8-13) through research-based, high quality activities and resources.

Participants attending a full day workshop will:

Learn latest research for exciting and engaging girls (and boys) in STEM

Experience FOUR hands-on STEM activities such as using dough to teach circuits, designing their own wind measurement machine and creating your own experiment to identify mystery plastics

Leave with curriculum for over 25 hands-on, video enhanced activities that put a creative twist on teaching STEM

Learn how to modify any activity to excite and engage kids in STEM using the SciGirls Seven

Discover additional online resources that enhance teaching and learning experiences for all kids

By participating in the full day workshop, participants agree to:

Offer one event or program for girls ages 8 - 13, using the SciGirls Seven and associated activities within one calendar year of training

Join the SciGirls online community

Collect and input your event information through the SciGirls online community

Texas Girls Collaborative Project and TXPOST, Texas Partnership for Out of School Time, are excited to host the upcoming Dallas/Ft Worth Area K-12 STEM Outreach Forum.

Calling all organizations, schools and individuals involved in science, technology, engineering and math outreach and recruitment in the Dallas/Ft Worth area! Network and learn about the resources available to assist you in your efforts. Connect with programs across the area and hear about upcoming STEM events. And share what you and/or your organization are doing to excited kids about STEM. Forum will explore effective imagery and messaging that engages K-12 students in formal and informal STEM education and excites them about the possibilities of STEM careers. Learn the latest research about engaging girls in STEM and explore the research-based best practices in messaging and hands-on activities that connect a diverse population in the excitement of STEM.Light refreshments provided by TXPOST.

The Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) is a statewide network of nonprofit, public and private sector partners dedicated to increasing the quality and availability of out of school time (OST) opportunities for Texas youth